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Adoption FAQ

ADOPTION FAQ

Have questions about adopting a Friends to the Forlorn dog?
Of course you do – we would be surprised if you didn’t!

Whether you are considering getting your first dog or you are looking to add another dog to your family, adopting is a big decision. But, we’ve tried to make it easier for you! Check out our Adoption FAQs: the questions we are most commonly asked by potential applicants and adopters. Have a question but don’t see it below? Please send us a message!

If you’re ready to begin the process of adopting a FTTF dog, the best place to start is by filling out our application. You can find it on our Adoption Application page!

I WANT TO ADOPT! WHERE DO I START?

The first step in our adoption process is the adoption application. Our application can be found HERE or you can fill one out in-person at one of our adoption events.

WHAT IS YOUR ADOPTION FEE?

Our adoption fee is $250. The adoption fee is due at the start of your foster-to-adopt and is refundable if you choose not to finalize the adoption. All FTTF dogs are heartworm negative, spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and receive a current rabies vaccine and age-appropriate DHPP vaccine(s) prior to adoption.

I CANNOT AFFORD THE ADOPTION FEE. CAN YOU GIVE ME A DISCOUNT?

We do not give discounts or run “specials” on adoption fees. Owning a dog, or any pet, is a big financial commitment. The adoption fee is just a small example of this. If an applicant cannot afford the adoption fee that is an indication they may not be financially ready to adopt a dog. Additionally, though the adoption fee does not cover our expenses for each dog, it does help recoup some of the cost and helps us keep the rescue running.

WHAT IS YOUR ADOPTION PROCESS?

HOW LONG DOES THE ADOPTION PROCESS TAKE?

Our application team processes applications as quickly as possible. We will respond to your application within 72 hours and most applications are processed within a week. This depends on if we need follow-up information and how quickly we are able to make arrangements for a home visit.

CAN I COME MEET YOUR ADOPT-A-BULLS?

Our available dogs are being fostered in family homes around Atlanta. We hold adoption events almost every Saturday if you would like to meet some of the FTTF dogs looking for homes! Adopt-a-bull attendance at adoption events will depend on the individual foster family’s availability. If you would like to request to meet a specific dog, please contact us and we may be able to coordinate their attendance. However, the best way to meet a specific dog is to submit an adoption application.

WHAT REFERENCES ARE REQUIRED TO ADOPT A FTTF DOG?

During the application process, we will ask for personal & veterinary references, as well as contact information for your landlord or management company, when applicable.

I KNOW I WANT TO ADOPT BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT DOG IS RIGHT FOR ME. CAN YOU HELP?

Of course! Our team works very hard to place the right dog with the right family. We want to set our dogs – and our adoptive families – up for success! You just let us know about your preferences & lifestyle (hint: our adoption application is the best way to do this) and we will help find your perfect match! If for some reason we cannot find the dog for you within our Adopt-a-bulls, we can share resources to other dogs needing homes as well.

I WANT TO ADOPT A NEW FRIEND FOR MY DOG. SHOULD I BRING HER TO ADOPTIONS TO PICK ONE OUT?

Though it is your choice whether you bring your dog to adoption events or not, we do not recommend doing dog introductions there, especially at Petsmart. Many dogs are already over-stimulated in that environment so it is not ideal or safe to introduce dogs when they are already stressed. We will help you safely do introductions prior to the start of the FTA and would never leave the dog with an adopter unless they’re comfortable with how everything is going.

I DO NOT LIVE IN GEORGIA. CAN I STILL ADOPT A FTTF DOG?

We do adopt to families that live out-of-state on a case-by-case basis – we have adopted dogs into homes throughout the Southeast and even as far as NY, CT, PA, and NJ – but applicants must still go through the entire application process. Someone we know and trust, not just a local rescue or animal services person, must do the home visit. We will give preference to in-state applicants if multiple applications exist on a specific dog.

I DO NOT LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES. CAN I STILL ADOPT A FTTF DOG?

Unfortunately, we do not adopt to families that live outside of the country.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DOGS THAT ARE NOT ALREADY SPAYED/NEUTERED?

All FTTF Adopt-a-bulls are spayed/neutered prior to adoption. NO EXCEPTIONS. You can read more about the benefits of spay/neuter HERE.

DO YOU REQUIRE A FENCED YARD TO ADOPT?

No, with the exception of a few dogs, we do not require our adopters to have a fenced yard but you must be able to provide adequate and safe exercise for your new dog.

I DON’T OWN MY HOME. CAN I STILL ADOPT A FTTF DOG?

Many FTTF adopters rent their home or apartment. As part of the application process, we will just need to verify with your landlord that you are allowed to have pets and there are no restrictions which would exclude the dog you would like to adopt.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO ADOPT A FTTF DOG?

Generally, our board requires adopters to be at least 25 years of age to adopt. If you are under 25 and feel you can provide a great forever home, we encourage you to complete an application. Applicants under 25 are approved at the board’s discretion.

WHAT IS THE FOSTER-TO-ADOPT?

The foster-to-adopt (FTA) is essentially a two-week trial run to ensure the dog you’ve chosen is the right fit for your family. We find that two-weeks gives the dog time to adjust to its new environment as well as allows you to really get to know your new dog before making the decision to officially adopt.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY NEW DOG! CAN I FINALIZE THE ADOPTION EARLY OR DO I HAVE TO WAIT TWO-WEEKS?

We do recommend using the full two-week foster-to-adopt period to make sure the adoption is the right fit but sometimes you just know! If so, you are welcome to request to finalize the adoption early.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I FINALIZE MY NEW DOG’S ADOPTION?

Most adoptive families meet us at adoption day to finalize adoption. You will fill out some paperwork, including the adoption contract and microchip registration form, and we will give you all of your new dog’s medical records! We will register the microchip for you and you will get an email from the chip company when the registration is complete.

WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE MY NEW DOG TO THE VET RIGHT AFTER I FINALIZE?

Though it is good to get a “check-up” so your vet can meet your new dog, this is mainly so you can obtain heartworm preventative. This is also a great opportunity for you to get on a schedule for vaccines and get recommendations from your vet on a good flea/tick preventative for your new dog.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD HAS MY NEW DOG BEEN EATING?

With the exception of a few dogs who may have allergies or medical conditions, all of our FTTF Adopt-a-bulls are currently on a high-quality grain free diet. They eat NutriSource Heartland Select. We recommend feeding a comparable grain-free food to your new dog. You can find NutriSource at some local specialty pet supply stores or you can purchase online at Chewy.com.

I ADOPTED A FTTF DOG. CAN I SEND YOU UPDATES?

YES! We have the best adopters and we encourage you to stay in touch. We absolutely love updates! You can submit your success story and photos HERE.